Reconnecting Habitats

With increasing habitat fragmentation there is a higher risk of local extinction and by reconnecting habitats we can maintain ecological processes and allow for migration and genetic mixing, particularly for large wide-ranging species.

The threat of isolating populations vulnerability to stochastic events is increased with habitat fragmentation so it is key we are aware what makes an ideal wildlife corridor for various species.

Using equipment such as camera traps we are able to monitor what species may use a certain corridor and how it can be better managed.

For example, Danau Girang Field Centre in collaboration with Sabah Wildlife Department monitored a particular wildlife corridor that link two forest fragments. They recorded 27 species including some rare individuals such as the Sunda clouded leopard and otter civet. In an area that is heavily fragmented due to oil palm plantations it shows the importance of such linkages.